Here is a version of classic Chicken Schnitzel that can be prepared during Passover with matzo meal. It’s very similar to my classic chicken schnitzel recipe, but the ingredients are all kosher for Passover. Matzo meal coating, in my experience, can be a bit more fragile than a coating made from breadcrumbs. I find the easiest way to flip the coated breasts in the skillet is to use a pair of tongs, rather than a spatula—this seems to be the best way to keep the coating intact. Dredging the breasts in matzo cake meal (finely ground matzo meal) before the egg dip also helps. The paprika in the mix is optional. Use whatever Kosher for Passover oil you prefer– I try to use oils with a high smoke point for frying, like grapeseed.
Frying adds calories, but unfortunately you can’t get that same schnitzel flavor and crispness from baking. That is why I like to serve this with a healthy side salad, like the Israeli salad shown here (click here for recipe), to lighten things up. I also serve it with fresh lemon wedges… the schnitzel is so good with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top. It’s one of 0ur favorite non-Seder meals during the week of Passover!
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Passover Chicken Schnitzel
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 large breasts)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup matzo cake meal
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup matzo meal
- 1 tablespoon paprika (optional)
- Oil for frying (make sure your oil is kosher for Passover)
- Fresh lemon wedges or halves for garnish
NOTES
Instructions
- Lay down a 2-foot long strip of plastic wrap on your kitchen countertop. Place chicken breasts on the plastic, leaving a 2-inch space between each breast. Cover the breasts with another strip of plastic, so the meat is sandwiched between two layers of plastic.
- Use a mallet to pound the breasts until they are a little less than ¼ inch thick.
- Season breasts with salt and pepper. Set up three wide, shallow bowls and a large plate on your countertop. In your first bowl, place the matzo cake meal. In your second bowl, beat the eggs. In your third bowl, stir together the matzo meal, paprika, and 1 tsp salt till well blended. Leave an empty plate nearby where you will place your coated schnitzels.Pour oil into a skillet until it’s deep enough for frying (about 1 inch). Heat the oil slowly over medium. While oil is heating, dip each breast one by one into your breading bowls, coating them on both sides with each ingredient. First coat with matzo cake meal...
- then with egg...
- then with the matzo meal mixture.
- The ideal temperature to fry schnitzel is around 375 degrees F. When the oil is hot (but not smoking or splattering), fry the coated breasts in single-layer batches until they are golden brown on both sides. If your oil is at the right temperature, it should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t fry more than two breasts at a time in a regular sized skillet, or the oil temperature will drop and the schnitzels will become greasy.
- After frying, set the schnitzels on a wire rack or a paper towel to drain off excess oil. Sprinkle the schnitzels with additional salt to taste. Serve hot garnished with lemon wedges and your favorite condiment.
Simple and easy. Very tasty! Thanks so much.
Great KFP (or anytime) chicken dish. Nice change from our usual roasting or grilling. Scratched the itch we were feeling missing your portobello schnitzel during Passover. Served it up with your garlic mashed potatoes and some roasted broccoli. Tori, your recipes have become famous in our family! I’ve got both of my sisters making your Rosh H apple cake every year – a true showstopper. Appreciate you so much.
Amy, that is great to hear! Thank you so much for writing.